In Argentinaas in the rest of the world, the passion for soccer It is overwhelming, so much so that sometimes it seems incomprehensible. If one takes a moment to look back and understand how we got to this fervor, there is undoubtedly a key turning point: the creation of the first court in the country. What is the oldest football stadium in Argentina?
It is estadiowith more than one century of historywitnessed key moments of Argentine football and, despite its age, remains a symbol for fans. Although today its capacity is limited, its legacy endures and maintains its importance within the football culture. Where is it located and how old is it? Below, we tell you all the details about the oldest stadium in Argentina.
What is the oldest football stadium in Argentina?
He oldest stadium in Argentina is the “Architect Ricardo Etcheverri“, also known as “The Wooden Temple“. This historic venue was inaugurated in January 1905, making it the oldest football stadium in the countrycon 119 years of existence.
He “Architect Ricardo Etcheverri“is located in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Caballito, in the City of Buenos Aires and was the home of the Club Ferro Carril Oeste almost since its founding, on July 28, 1904, and continues to be its headquarters today while it has been active for several years in the second category of the argentine soccer.
Throughout its extensive history, the stadium went through several transformations. In its first years, it had a fairly basic structure, limited to a playing field without stands. However, as the years went by and the public’s interest grew, the “Architect Ricardo Etcheverri” was expanded and adapted to accommodate more spectators.
Despite challenges, such as the 1931 fire that destroyed the original wooden structure, the stadium continued to be an emblem of Argentine football.
Today, this stadium remains a place full of history and passion, although its capacity has been reduced over the years. Even so, “Architect Ricardo Etcheverri” remains a fundamental symbol within Argentina’s football culture.
- Inauguration: January 2, 1905.
- Headquarters: Club Ferro Carril Oeste.
- Current capacity: 8,500 people.
In 1995the stadium received its current name, in honor of Ricardo Etcheverri, former president of Ferro Carril Oeste and who was in charge of the club for more than 30 years. During his presidency, the “Wooden Temple“He lived some of the most glorious moments in Ferro’s history.
Under his leadership, the club won important titles, such as the National of 1982 and 1984in addition to having been runner-up in several editions of the Metropolitano and Nacional during the 80s, when the club experienced its “golden age“under the technical direction of Carlos Timoteo Griguol.
The “Architect Ricardo Etcheverri” among the oldest stadiums in Latin America
He “Architect Ricardo Etcheverri“is not only the oldest stadium in Argentinabut it also occupies second place in seniority within all of America, only surpassed by the Gran Parque Central Stadium of Montevideo, Uruguay. Inaugurated in 1900, this is the home of the National Club and is considered the oldest active stadium in America.
At the regional level, “Architect Ricardo Etcheverri” is part of a select group of stadiums with more than 100 years of history, which are witnesses of the passion for the soccer in Latin America.
The five oldest stadiums in Latin America
- Gran Parque Central Stadium (Uruguay)
- Architect Ricardo Etcheverri (Argentina)
- Defensores del Chaco Stadium (Paraguay): inaugurated in 1917, headquarters of the Paraguayan Football Association and one of the most emblematic stadiums in Paraguay.
- Santa Laura Stadium (Chile): inaugurated in 1923, home of the Unión Española club and historic stage of Chilean football.
- Hernando Siles Stadium (Bolivia): inaugurated in 1930, one of the tallest stadiums in the world, located in La Paz, Bolivia.
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